The transport secretary has set out her vision for ‘more joined up and locally-led transport across England’ in what her department said will be the first integrated national transport strategy in a quarter of a century.
In a speech to mayors and transport bosses in Leeds on Thursday, Louise Haigh said the strategy will set out a ‘people first approach’ and how government can support local areas ‘to make all forms of transport work together better’.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the strategy will set out a clear vision for how transport across England can evolve over the next 10 years so that more places offer seamless door-to-door journeys like those facilitated by the Bee Network in Greater Manchester (pictured) and Transport for London.
Officials said that, having visited the city earlier this year, Ms Haigh had looked for inspiration to Dijon, which has frequent tram and bus services and has created a single app that brings together every mode of transport including bus and tram, car and bike hire, planning journeys and paying for parking.
Ms Haigh said: ‘Integrated transport in this country is lagging behind our European counterparts, and for too long our fragmented transport networks have stunted economic growth and made it harder for people to get around.
‘I want everyone to be able to contribute to this vision and have launched a call for ideas on how the strategy can best deliver greater opportunity, healthier communities and better lives.’
The call for ideas on the DfT website runs until 20 January. The department will also be recruiting a new integrated transport commissioner ‘to oversee this new vision’.
The DfT said it is also reforming its appraisal system, so that projects deliver good value for money as well as the right outcomes – such as more jobs, improved access to education and healthier communities.
Officials said the reforms include giving sufficient weight to transport projects that enhance access to jobs, boost productivity, and help businesses grow, particularly in less affluent areas.
An internal panel of experts is reviewing the department’s capital spend portfolio, ‘to drive better economic outcomes in our transport system’.
Ms Haigh also emphasised the important of using data in rural areas, to manage traffic flows to helping drivers easily find, and pay for, parking spaces.
She also outlined her intention to promote cycling and walking as the best choice for shorter journeys, and prioritising pavement repairs, safe crossing and cycle infrastructure where they are needed most.
West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said: ‘The secretary of state's new Integrated National Transport Strategy will support me and other mayors to deliver on our ambition for better-connected and faster growing regions.’
Paul Tuohy, CEO of charity Campaign for Better Transport, welcomed the announcement.
He said: 'Good, well-connected, public transport and active travel have the power to transform communities and local economies, enabling people to travel by a combination of sustainable modes to help reduce congestion, improve air quality and unlock economic potential.
'We want to see more UK cities given the opportunity and support to follow Dijon’s example of a fully integrated, well-funded public transport network and hope this Strategy will enable that.'
